Border Patrol Makes Three Separate Drug-Related Arrests

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 and Highway 111 checkpoints made three separate arrests over the weekend.

The first incident happened Saturday Sept. 9 at around 7:00 p.m., when an 18-year-old man approached the Highway 86 checkpoint in a black 1999 Jeep Cherokee.

At secondary inspection, a Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the back of the driver's seat in the vehicle. Agents discovered 30 small cereal boxes that tested positive for methamphetamine.

The total weight of the methamphetamine was 16.7 pounds with an estimated street value of $58, 450.

The man was identified as a United States Citizen. He was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the vehicle and narcotics for further investigation.

The second incident occurred three hours later, when a 34-year-old man approached the Highway 86 checkpoint in a white 2000 Toyota Avalon and was sent for a secondary inspection.

At secondary inspection, agents found a clear plastic bag with a white powder substance that tested positive for cocaine.

The weight of the cocaine was 1.1 pounds and an estimated street value of $14,235.

The man was identified as a Mexican citizen, and he, along with the vehicle and narcotics were turned over to the High-Intensity Drug Task Force for further investigation.

The last incident happened at around 3:00 p.m. Sunday, when a 46-year-old man approached the Highway 111 checkpoint in a blue 2007 Saturn Aura. A Border Patrol canine alerted the agents to the vehicle.